Arts AlUla launches AlAjilah Special Edition
Competition coincides with Saudi Arabia’s Year of the Camel
Arts AlUla has announced the launch of the AlAjilah Special Edition – a new award category – of the AlUla Design Award, timed to honour the Year of the Camel in Saudi Arabia.
This unique competition invites talented designers worldwide to reimagine a cultural symbol of nomadic life and resilience—the camel cover.
An open call to design and craft camel covers inspired by AlUla, the special edition aims to celebrate the fusion of heritage and modern aesthetics.
AlUla is one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula and is home to Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With 200,000 years of human activity in the extraordinary desert, red rock, and oasis landscapes, AlUla is a living museum where the ancient is in dialogue with the contemporary world.
Winners will be unveiled through an exhibition during the AlUla Camel Cup in April 2024.
The Award opened for submissions starting December 20, 2023, and will close by February 28, 2024, offering participants a window to explore AlUla’s history, culture, and natural beauty while crafting their unique interpretations.
The winning designs will be unveiled during the highly anticipated Camel Cup from April 24 to 27, 2024.
Nora Aldabal, Executive Director of Arts AlUla, said: “The AlUla Design Award Special Edition AlAjila reflects our commitment to weaving a cultural tapestry through creative initiatives.
This fusion of heritage and aesthetics seeks designs that breathe new life into old techniques, capturing the essence of AlUla’s vibrant past while pushing the boundaries of modern designs.
“From breathtaking landscapes and rock-hewn monuments to the rich traditions, AlUla offers a boundless canvas for inspiration.”
The AlUla Design Award honours outstanding design inspired by AlUla’s cultural, natural, and artistic heritage. This accolade acknowledges designers who adeptly weave tradition, geography, and artistic legacies into their creations, contributing to preserving AlUla’s unique identity.
For more information, guidelines, and submissions, visit https://aluladesignaward.livingmuseum.com/en/
Featured image: The new award category commemorates the Year of the Camel in Saudi Arabia. Image: AlUla Design Award
